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THE 



Maid of ColTimbia ; 



OR, 



Ismail's part| t0 t|e ^ea. 



J>L yVllLITARY PrAMA, 
IN THREE ACTS. 



BY 



D. C. ROBIE, and G. H. BOOTH. 



HARTFORD: 

SOLDIERS' RECORD STEAM PRINT. 
1871. 






Entered according to act of Congress in the year 1871, 

By D. C. ROBIB, and G. H. BOOTH, 

In the Ofllce of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. 



DRAMATIS PERSONS. 



Col. Hakey Setmoue, of the Union Army. 

Capt. Albeet Golding, of the Confederate Army. 

Dick Haepee, one of Sherman's Bummers. 

EoBT. Yaegee, a Guerrilla Captain. 

Ben" Butlee, one of the " Col'd Troops." 

De. Bolus, Medical Examiner. 

Simpson", Provost Marshal. 

Pelatiah Hiqginbottom, 1 

Samuel Coopee, >• Conscripts. 

Elnatha^st Todd, ) 

Cleegtman", 

John Schmidt, who " Goes to fight mit Sigel." 

Effie Kaymond, a Union Girl. 
Emily Lawtok, a Confederate Girl. 
Mes. Dow. 

Soldiees, Bummees, Gueeeillas, Civilians, &c. 



ACT I. 



Scene 1. — {The Village Hall. — Dr. JBolns, Simf- 
son and Yillagei'S discovered.) 

Sinvpson. {rising.) Fellow citizens : We are 
assembled here to-day |for the purpose of drafting 
men for the Federal army. A law has recently 
passed, providing for the filling up of depleted 
regiments now in the field, by conscription. If 
any among you wish to enlist and receive the 
bounty, you now have the opportunity. Remem- 
ber it is your last chance. If you are drafted, you 
receive no bounty, and your only chances of getting 
exempt, are : — by paying Three Hundred Dollars 
cash ; furnishing a substitute ; or being proved 
unfit for military service by physical disability. 
The army needs men, and if you do not willingly 
volunteer at this critical time, when this glorious 
American Union is in danger of being dissolved, 
there is no recourse but to conscription. Where is 
the patriotism of your revolutionary sires, who 
fought, bled and died, that our country might be 
freed from the galling chains of tyranny, to soar 
untrammeled on the wings of Liberty, and become 
a bright constellation among the nations of the 
earth? I shall now proceed, according to the 
requirements of the law, and hope you will pre- 
serve order during the process of drafting. Will 
1* 



O THE MAID OF COLUMBIA, OR 

some one please step forward and be blindfolded, 
80 there can be no deceit in the operation ? 

(Pelatiah Higginbottom stejps forward and 
Simpson hlindfolds Jiim. Throws a handful of 
names into the lottery wheel and gives it a lohirl. — 
P. H. draws one and hands it to Simpson.) 

Simpson. {Reads name ) Wm. Piper, Wm. 
Piper! {Passes name to Dr. Bolus and draws 
again.) Benjamin Dow, Benjamin Dow ! {Draws 
again.) John Petingill, John Petingill ! {Draws 
agaiii.) Samuel Cooper, Samuel Cooper ! {Draws 
agai^i.) Pelatiah Higginbottom, Pelatiah Higgin- 
bottom ! 

Pelatiah. O Lord ! I'm physically disinclined 
and totally miworthy, sir. Am dependent on an 
only, father for support. You will have to excuse 
me, sir, as there are plenty of others who would give 
better satisfaction than myself. 

Simpson. That's an after consideration. {Draws 
again) Abraham Savage, Abraham Savage ! 
{Drav^s again) Elnathan Todd, Elnathan Todd! 
(Enter Ben Butler, singing.) 

How are you conscript ? 
How are you to-day ? 
The Provost Marshal's got you 
In a very tight place, they say. 

Simpson. {Draws again) Benjamin i^utler. 
Benjamin Butler ! 

B. Butler {Cocking his eye) I 'spects dat's 
me. Jes read dat ar' again if you please. 

Simjyson. Benjamin Butler was the name called. 

Ben. Gorry mity ! dat's me shuah. Hurrah 
for General Jackson! I's grafted I is, and Ps 
gwine too. I shant pay no tree hundred dollars 



SHERMAN S MARCH TO THE SEA. 7 

for ail institute, case I a'n't got de money jes now. 
Hurrah ! Ts gwine to war. A lioss ! a boss ! some- 
body get me a boss ! 

Simpson. Let us bave order. (Ben goes up.) 
(Simpson 7'eads.) Hezekiab Cole, Hezekiali Cole I 
{Draws agam.) Valorous Sliarpe, Valorous Sliarpe ! 
I believe the quota is now full, Dr. Bolus is present 
and will examine those who have been drafted that 
are present. {Sits down) 

(Samuel Cooper comes forwai\l and Dr. Bolus 
exam^ines him.) 

Dr. B. Your age ? 

Cooper. Forty-four years, eleven and one half 
months. 

Dr. B. Where were you born I 

Cooper. Podunk. 

Dr. B. Any family ? 

Cooper. One small wife and four large children. 

Dr. B. Age of father if living ? 

Cooper. One hundred and fifteen years. 

Dr. B. What ! Do not insult me 

Cooper. I am not insulting you, my fiither was 
seventy years old when I was born — be died about 
that time, consequently if living he would be about 
one hundred and fifteen. 

Dr. B. All right, you will pass. ]^ext. {Exit 
Cooper.] (Higginbottom comes forward}) 

Dr. B. Where born ? 

Higgin. Dunno. 

Dr. B. Any family ? 

Higgin. Dunno. 

Dr. B. Age of father if living ] 

Higgin. Dunno. 

Dr. B. What do you know ? Come here. (Dr. 
examines his head}) I find this man afiiicted 



b THE MAID OF COLUMBIA, OE 

with a tuberosity of tlie posterior portion of the 
fundamental corpus, causing total obscurity of the 
compound filabus naturalabus, which will eventu- 
ally result in complete rigdumfumidorsical dampus 
of the rambilicus. You are exempt sir. IS^ext. 

(HiGGiNBOTTOM clcvps hand on stomach and exit. — 
EoBT. Yaeger comes forvm^'d^ puts a hank-note 
between his teeth and steps up for examination. — 
Dk. Bolus discovers money and thrusts it in his 
poclcet.) 

Dr. B. Your name ? 

Yaeger. Valorous Sharpe. 

Dr. B. Any predisposition to obesity ? 

Yaeger Yes sir. 

Dr. B. Troubled with internal hankering after 
something ''. 

Y eager. Yes sir. 

Dr. B. {aside.) So am I. — Want to sleep a 
good deal ? 

Yaeger. Yes sir. 

Dr. B. Have any trouble to walk ? 

Yaeger. Yes sir. 

Dr. B. This man is exempt, for reasons here- 
after explained. 

{Exit Yaegee. Elnatiian Todd comes foi'vmrrd 
— nose very red.) 

Dr B. What's the matter with your nose ? 

Todd. Humor in the blood. — Runs in the family. 

Dr. B. How many individuals in your family ? 

Todd. One, sir. 

Dr. B. ISTame of individual ^ 

Todd. Elnathan Todd. 

Dr. B. What's your business, Mr. Todd ? 

Todd. Everybody's in general, my own in par- 
ticular. 



Sherman's march to the sea. 9' 

Dr. B. AVhat is your forte ? 

Todd. My what? 

Dr. B. Your forte, — your particular hobby ; 
the thing tliat most interests you ? 

Todd. Tending bar at the tavern when the land- 
lord is at dinner. 

Dr. B. I thought as much. You will pass. 

{Exit Todd. Samuel Cooper comes hi, and lays 
down a 7'oll of Mils.) 

Cooper. There's three hundred dollars, now give 
me my discharge. 

(Dr. B. Jills out hlanlc and hands it to Cooper. — 
Exit Cooper.) 

Todd. {Enters with sid)stitute.) Here's my sub- 
stitute. Please give me a discharge. 

(Simpson eyes the sulstitide and recognizes a hounty 
jumper. — Seizes him hy the collar.) 

Simpson. All right. I'll take him and keep 
him. So my fine bird, I've got you at last. You 
won't jump any more bounties soon, I'll guarantee. 
{Slips on hand-cuff.) Mr. Todd, you will have to 
try again. Please accept my thanks. This man 
has been wanted for some time. You will have to 
try again. 

Dr. B. {Comes forward.) It pains me to see 
such a want of patriotic feeling among the men of 
this town. It is a shame that able bodied men 
should be so indifferent to their country's call. 
Unwilling to enlist, and when drafted, pay their 
last dollar rather than fight for the integrity of the 
Union. If I was an able bodied man {Limps 
ahout.) I would shoulder my musket and go, if I 
had to go alone and on foot. But, thank Heaven, 
I have a son in the army — {aside.) buying hay — 
serving his country as a patriot should. Look at 



10 THE MAID OF COLUMBIA, OR 

that poor African, he is willing to shed his last drop 
of blood in the cause of Liberty. 

Ben. {Stepping forward.) Does yer mean dis 
pnsson ? 

Dr. B. He sets an example worthy of imitation, 
and when brought to face the enemy, will not be 
found wanting courage to do battle with them. 

Ben. Yeth massa, " de colored troops fought 
nobly " and when I get down dar I'll shoot the fust 
man I meet right fru de gizzard, and I'll be so 
brave that my name will be handed down from 
generation to posterity, till it becomes a by-word 
in the moufs of ebery child in de land ! Fellow 
citizens ! I can truly say in de words ob Martin 
Yan "Webster : I still live ! and shall always be 
found ready to lay down my form for de American 
Eagle to roost on ! De Union must and shall be 
preserved, said Andrew Jackson, and I say so too. 
And I'll prove myself as brave as de old hero, 
when he hunted elephants at New Orleans, or 
scalped de rhinoceros on de banks of de Missis- 
sippi ! 

Scene 2d. — Street. (Enter Yaegee, l. i. e.) 

Yaeger. I, Bob Yaeger, drafted for the Union 
army ! Ha ! Ha ! But a twenty dollar greenback 
had the desired effect, and saved me a deal of 
trouble. 

(Enter Dick Harper, r. i. e.) 

Dlcl:. Hallo ! old euchre-deck ! What in the 
deuce are you doing in these parts ? 

Yaeger. Dick Harper, as I live ! Why, Dick, 
how are you anyway ? {Offers Jiand.) 

Dick. {Refusing.) Kone the better for seeing 
you, old slumgullion. 



Sherman's march to the sea. 11 

Yaeger. A'n't you dealing largely in personal- 
ities ? 

Diclc. Yes, when applied to such a rantankerous 
old cut-throat as you. 

Yaeger. There, there, Dick, that will do. I 
can't stand everything. I'll get mad presently. 

Diclc. Go in, old bees-wax, and if you don't 
get your corporation pretty well mixed up, I'm a 
sinner. 

Yaeger. Well, well, Dick, hold on ; we won't 
quarrel, because you wouldn't like to hear me tell 
that you belong to the bum — 

DicTc. Hold yer bosses ! Tell what you like 
and I'll tell about somebody who dangled at the end 
of a rope down in Tennessee, but whose life was 
spared by promising to leave the diggins forever. 

Yaeger. Sh ! don't speak so loud. I beg pardon, 
I'll never breathe a word. 

Dick. I don't care if you do. I'm one of Sher- 
man's Bummers, and don't care who knows it ; and 
you are Bob Yaeger, the guerilla, and the leader 
of the meanest pack of cut-throats that ever drew 
breath. If it hadn't been for me you would have 
been hung as high as Haman. Sometimes I am 
sorry that I interfered, but I am not a believer in 
Judge Lynch. I sha'n't go back on you now if 
you behave yourself. I knew you had left Southern 
territory, but blast my picture if I thought of meet- 
ing you in my native village. 

Yaeger. I had to go somewhere away from my 
enemies. I've been here a year, and was drafted 
to-day, but got exempt. I'm going back south 
shortly. I don't like this country, its too deuced 
cold to suit me. 

Dich. You'll find it too confounded hot down 



12 THE MAID OF COLUMBIA, OK 

■Bouth, you can bet your bottom dollar on thai 
You had better keep away for another year, that' 
my advice, or run the risk of getting your neck i. 
a sling. If you do get into trouble, you won't hav 
me to help you out. Be careful or they will fini 
you out up here, and if they do, you had better bi 
in Tophet without claws. {iStarts out l. i. e. Meet 
Dr. 3oLTJS, coining: in.) Excuse me sir. I'malittl 
blind in the off eye. {Exit.) 

Dr. B. Oh, Lord ! I should think so. 

Yaeger. "Well Dr., you found my teeth all right 

Dr. B. Yes, yes, quite risht. But you kee] 
mum about that matter and it will be all the bette 
for us both. 

Yaeger. {Loolis off.) Dr., who is that approach 
ing ? Seems as though I had seen him before. 

Dr. B. Why! that is Col. Seymour, and jus 
from the seat of war. Probably home on a fur 
lough, or after recruits for his regiment. 

Yaeger. Good-day Dr., I'm in a hurry. {Exi 

L. I. E.) 

Dr. B. I should think so. I wonder if th( 
sight of a blue-coat always affects him in that man 
ner. 

(Enter Col. Seymouk, k. i. e.) 

Col. Seymour. Ah ! Dr. Bolus, how do you do ' 
'{Shake hands.) 

Dr. B. Quite well, quite well, I thank you 
Home on a furlough ? I'm glad to see you. 

Col. Yes, I have just arrived. 

Dr. B. I heard that you were dead ; then thai 
you were a prisoner, and at last exchanged. 

Col. The latter part is true, and after my release 
from prison sickness attacked me, and not till twc 
weeks ago did I leave my bed. I learned of mj 



Sherman's march tothk ska. 13 

mother's death after arriving within the Union 
lines, and the shock completely prostrated me. To 
you I come for the particulars of her death, for I 
understand you were her physician. 

Dr. B. When the report of yoiir death reached 
the ear of your mother, she fell insensible. All 
that could be done to alleviate her suffering, was 
done promptly and skillfully. She never left her 
bed afterward, but she retained full possession of 
her faculties to the end, and died with your 
name on her lips. More than this I cannot tell, 
but refer you to a young lady w^lio attended her 
during her last days, — Miss Effie Raymond, of 
Columbia, Georgia, — a thorough Union girl, and of 
w^ealthy parents. 

Col. Where can I see this young lady ? 

Dr. B. You wdll find her at the residence of 
Benjamin Dow, who is an uncle of hers. 

Col. I will call on her. Here is a letter from 
your son, who handed it to me just as I was leaving 
camp. {Gives Utter.) Good day. Dr., I have many 
places to visit. {Mcit, l. i. e.) 

Dr. B. {Ojyens letter and tal'es money from it.) 
That boy is doing finely. Five thousand dollars in 
greenbacks in one month. Whew ! I always knew 
lie was smart. Five thousand dollars profit on hay 
for the army. Good. I wouldn't wonder if that 
boy became Major General yet. Five thousand 
dollars clean profit. That's a boy Avorth having. 
[Exit chucHing, r. i. e.) 

Scene 3d. — Parlor. Effie and Yaeger discovered. 

Effle. Mr. Yaeger, why do you persist in thrust- 
ng yourself into my company 1 I have repeatedly 
2 



1-i THE MATT) OF COLOMBIA, OB 

told you that I cannot entertain your sentiments* 
or regard _yon otherwise than a stranger. You will 
please nie exceedingly by discontinuing your visits 
here, for I assure you I have no respect for you, 
and shall acquaint my friends of your real character 
if you do not cease your importunities. 

Yae^ger. I am not the man I once was. I have 
reformed in many respects, and have been influ- 
enced by the hope of winning back the esteem 
and friendship with Mdiich you once regarded me. 
Gnee you were disposed to look favorably upon 
ray suit, but because I took up arms in behalf of 
my native state, you suddenly grew indifferent 
toward me, and treated me with contempt. Yet I 
would overlook the caprice, and rely on the course 
of time to change your feelings and reinstate me 
in your good opinion, 

lEffie. Never, Mr. Yaeger. It is not ])ecause your 
sympathies wore with the South that L discarded 
you. I could have overlooked that, but when you 
placed yourself at the head of a lawless band of 
murderous assassins, robbing and burning the 
homes of innocent families, I resolved henceforth 
to treat you as a despicable wretch, whose heart is 
void of feeling or pity. A man that will plunder 
peaceful citizens, and subject women and children 
to violence and rapine, can be naught to me but an 
object of disgust and hatred. 

Yaeger. You may be sorry sometime that you 
allowed such language to escape your lips. If I 
am the villain you picture me, I may yet do that 
which will bring you to my feet, and willing to 
submit to such terms as I may dictate. 

Effie. What ! do you threaten me, traitor ! 
Leave my presence immediately, or I will have you 



8HKKMAn's MARCH 'iO THE bEA. 15 

ejected like a dog. Go, sir ! and under no cii-cum- 
Btances ever dare to speak to me. Begone ! or I 
will ring for assistance ! 

Yaeger. I go, but you will repent in tears, I 
will be revenged, aye, bitterly revenged ! {Exit in 
rage.) 

Effie. The villain! But for my implication in 

the matter I would expose him. To dare to address 

such language to me fills me with indignation. 

Methinks ft is a queer way to gain a woman's love, 

(Enter Mrs. Dow and Col, Seymour.) 

Mrs. Dovj. Efiie, this is Col. Seymour, whose 
mother you attended with so much care. Col. Sey- 
mour, Miss Efiie Raymond. {They haw.) You 
will please excuse mc tor I am needed in the kitchen. 
{Exit Mrs. Dow.) 

Col. I am happy to make the acquaintance of 
one who proved herself a ministering angel to my 
poor mother, I sought you to tender my sincere 
regards for the services rendered my only parent 
in her last hours. I am satisfied that the motive 
which prompted you to minister to her sufferings, 
was sympathy and the desire of doing good. I 
fully appreciate your kindness, knowing that by it 
my mother was made comfortable in her afdiction. 
Rest assui'ed that it will never be forgotten ; and if 
the time should ever come when I can repay you, it 
shall be done gratefully, ever keeping in view the 
circumstances which make me your debtor. 

Effie. Col. Seymour, I simply did my duty* 
which we should ever 1)e ready to perform in the 
alleviation of sufiering liumanity, I exact no 
acknowledgement of my service?, for it is n pleasure 
to me to assist others in time of trouble. For is it 



16 TflK MAID OF COLUMBIA, OR 

not the requireinout of Divine law to love our 
neiglibors as ourselves ? I thank you Colonel for the 
appreciation of duty, but the consolation of having 
benefited another is sufficient reward. 

Col. In consideration of your kindness I hope 
you will favor a continuance of our acquaintance 
begun under sucli circniustances. I shall be pleased 
to call on you again, for I shall ever hold in high 
estimation your act of benevolence. 

Effi^c, I would be glad to see you again, Colonel, for 
you are probal)ly anxious to learn the full particu- 
lars of your bereavement, but I must inform you 
that I am about returning home to Georgia. 

Col. Ah ! in what part of Georgia is your home \ 

Effie. Columbia ; our place is called " The Ever- 
greens." 

Col. Indeed ! I passed through that town on 
my way from prison to tlie Federal lines, and am 
indebted to a young man of that place for the 
noble disposition he manifested during my cap- 
tivity, — Capt. Albert (rokling of the Confederate 
armv. 

Effie. .\n oki acquaintance of mine, and a very 
eetimablc young man, even if he be arrayed against 
the old flag. 

Col. Wlien di.» you propose returning south? 

Eijie. In two weeks, if events are favorable. 

Col. The time iixed for my departure, and I 
shall be happy to bear you company if you will 
accept my escort. 

Effie. With pleasure. Colonel, I dislike traveling 
alone, t consider it fortunate if I am favored with 
your protection. 

Col. I anticipate no trouble in furnishing you 
eafe conduct through our lines. 



eilliRMAN's M\KCH TO TUK SEA. IT 

Efie. I am glad the Union forces are so triumph- 
ant,* and will hail the day with joy when the stars 
and stripes float once more over my native state. 

Col. Then yon do not sympathize M'ith the 
Sonth ? 

Ejjie. I do not, I have never renounced my 
allegiance to the old flag. My father has stood 
firm through the storm. Though persecuted and 
hunted like a felon he has remained true to the 
constitution of his tathers. I inherit the same pat- 
riotism, and shall ever be found ready to uphold 
the honor and integrity of my country, redeemed 
from thraldom by him whose name is immortal, 
Washington ! 

Col. Well said, my noble patriot. Would that 
all your people possessed like sentiments, then this 
devastating war would cease and the land rejoice 
in the fullness of its strength. I must now bid you 
adieu. I shall make such arrangements as shall be 
conducive to your comfort on the journey. 

EjJie. Thanks, Colonel, your kindness will be 
remembered Avith gratitude. {Eycit Col.) What 
a noble man ! ITow I sympathize with him in his 
afliiiction ! 

(Enter Mrs. Dow.) 

Mrs. D. AV'ell, Effie, hoAv do you like Col. Sey- 



mour 



Isn't he splendid? What do you think? 
lie is going to escort me through the Union lines^ 
on my way to home and friends. 

Mrs. D. And a good escort you will have, I 
am glad it is thus. Let's go to tea now. I was in 
hopes Harry would stay, but my fire went out and 
everything seemed to botlier me. {Exetint.')' 



18 THE MAID OF COLUMBIA, 0» 

ScENK 4, — Wood.— The grave of Set/mour\s mother. 
— Enter Col., slowly. — Lights doicn. 

Col. At last, after miles of weary travel, I stand at 
the grave of my mother IIow silent ! how lonely 
is this place ! Not a sound breaks the stillness of 
the night. Tlie songs of birds are hnshed, not even 
the accustomed voices of the night greet my ear. 
The deepening gloom sadly oppresses my heart. 
How strangely still ! how suggestive of death, the 
peaceful sleep which proceeds that great awaken- 
ing, when those who slumber in the dust shall rise 
in glorious immortality to enter into their eternal 
rest! This -spot is sacred to me, and I would put 
the shoes from oflP my feet, for the place whereon I 
stand is hallowed ground. Here sleeps the truest 
friend I ever knew : she who cherished me in child- 
hood days, M'atching over me carefully all my 
youthful years : teaching me to slum the haunts of 
iniquity, guiding my steps aright that they might 
not fall into the snare of the tempter, and point- 
ing to the path of wisdom and virtue as the true 
way to happiness in this life, and a heavenly rest 
in the great hereafter, AVell do I remember her 
last words to me, Mhen, with my hand clasped in 
hers, we mingled our freely flowing tears. Little 
thought I then that I should behold her no more 
upon earth. Oh ! mother, I shall never find love 
like thine, never find so true a friend. O ! that I 
had been here to receive your dying blessing, to 
have looked once more upon you ere you crossed 
the dark river. My eyes are dim with gathering 
tears, which shall water the sod that hides thee 
from my sight. 



SHEKMAN's march to the 8EA, 40 

'Tis but another life saeritieed on the altar of 
liberty, another life blotted from the world to be- 
recorded on the pages of eternity. How long^ 
O ! how long shall lives be olfered up to satiate the 
cravings of internicine war ! How long shall blood 
flow like mountain streams ? Is the earth thirsting 
for blood, that she drinks from the veins of her 
children ? The very flowers and blades of erass 
blush with crimson gore, aud droop prone to the 
dust at the sight of brothers arrayed in mortal 
combat. O, hasten the day when patriot mothers 
can raise their eyes to greet once more the 
flag of freedom unfurling its broad stripes to the 
breeze, wafting the glad tidings of peace from the 
sunny slopes of the Paciflc to the evergreen shores 
of the Atlantic ! When aged fathers can see the 
dawn of the coming day that shall break upon a 
land redeemed, and liberty rise triumphant from 
the ashes of treason and bondage ! Here upon this 
sacred spot I vow never to sheath my sword, till 
treason's stain is wiped from oft' Columbia's soil I 
And here, wlien I am done with terrestrial things^ 
let me be laid to rest beside her who gave me birth, 
who died blessing my memory, to mingle at last 
with the dust — the aslies of a sainted mother !. 
{lineels.) 



TABLEAL'. 

{The mother is seen with oufstreched arms, giving: 
her hencdictio7i. Music. Redfre.) 

CURTAIN- 



^0 Til K MAID OK COLUMBIA, OR 



ACT II. 



Scene 1. — Wood. — Miter Yaegek. 

Yaeger. Little did I think a few weeks ago, 
that I should again be upon the field of action so 
Boon. But when I learned that Effie was going 
liome, I suddenly discovered that the cold North 
did not suit my constitution. Ila ! ha ! ha ! Little 
did the Yanks suppose, when they drafted me for 
the Lincoln army, that I was the notorious guerrilla 
Yaeger, bound by my honor — my honor — to stay 
away from the held. Oh, no ! I have too much 
ambition for that. 
. {EnUr Guerrillas loWi Dr. Bolus, a prisoner.) 

Well done, boys, a prisoner the first day, and a 
good fat one too. I should judge a goodly share 
of plunder. Bring Iiim forward, boys, and we'll 
see what the Yank has about him. (Starts.) What, 
Dr. Bolus ! 

Dr. B. Then it's you, Yalorous Sharj), who 
lead this band of jnurdering, kidnapping, pack of 
thieves, who seize a Dr. of physic while he is 
gathering herbs and specimens but a few paces 
from the Union pickets, and drag him like a »vild 
animal to this den of jackals ? 

Yaeger. Come, come. Dr., you are hard on a 
fellow. Li this part of the country I am known as 
Bob Yaeger, the guerrilla, and I don't take too 
much lip from any man. {To (juerrUlas.) Com- 
rades, this gentleman is an old friend of mine. He 
and I once had honorable dealings together, and 



buehman's march to the ska. 2t 

he must not be niecklled witli. You can now follow 

four inclinations in the search of more booty, and 
assure you there is not another man in Sherman's 
whole army whom I will save from plunder by my 
interference. {Guerrillas exeunt.) ' Well Dr., I'm- 
happy to meet you. {Gives Ms hand.) 

Dr. B. {Refusing ) ]^o, sir, I never shake 
hands with traitors. 

Yaeger Just as you please. But I know one 
little trick of yours that don't teach strict pat- 
riotism, that happened but a few weeks ago in a 
certain northern villag-e town-hall. But your ava- 
nciousness, 1 suppose, covers up your treachery. 

Dr. B. {Can fused.) I, sir, am a true Union, 
man and have a son in the Union army. 

Yaeger. Is he as greedy as you are ? Probably 
you are here to visit him. 

Dr. B. Well, yes I am, and to see the sights^ 
and perhaps bind up the wounds of my country- 
men. 

Yaeger. Ha ! ha ! ha ! When your country- 
men's pockets are filled with greenbacks in place 
of grey-backs. 

Dr. B. I also[am the escort of a young lady of 
your acquaintance. 

Yaeger. Who ? 

Dr. B. Miss Ettie Raymond. 

Yaeger. {Aside.) Then I shall boim have her 
in my power, and compel her to become my wii'e 
or wither and die of grief and shame. {To Dr.) 
Where is she now ? 

D7\ B. In the camp of Sherman's army, and I 
must hasten to join her or she will fear evil liaf» 
befallen me. 



22 IHK MAID OF COLCMBIA, OR 



Ycieger. Then hasten Dr. to your lovely charge, 
I will shoM' you the nearest way. Bear to your rights 
and follow the path through the woods, it will lead 
you direct to the Union pickets. {Exit Dr.) Now 
then for a season of stratagem. To gain possession 
of that girl shall be my first blow. Let me see. 
She will probably go to see her friend Emily Law- 
ton. I will be there, and there we shall see who 
triumphs. { Blows tcMstle, and Guerrillas appear.) 
Men and comrades of the Confederate army ! I 
learn, by the man just here, many wonderful things 
in regard to the Yankee mudsills, and you must 
make up your minds for a series of hard marches ere 
many days. I am going to leave you for a few 
hours, and let this spot be the bivouac till my return. 
You can hover around the enemy, seize all the 
arms, supplies and horsea you can, for we will have 
need of them. I will be with you to-morrow night, 
and lead you on to scenes of glory. AH together 
now, "Jeft" Davis, and the Confederate army I" 
{All yell. Exit Yaegek.) 

Scene 2. — Parlor. — Capt. Golding and Emily 

discovered. 

Emily. Then it is true that Gen. Hood has 
abandoned Atlanta. 

Capt. Golding. Yes, Gen. Hood has blown wp 
his magazines, burned the cotton and stores, and 
destroyed the railroads. The foundries, machine 
shops and depot were fired by his orders, and are 
now but heaps of smoking ruins. Hood is in full 
retreat, and the army of Sherman is encamped 
about the city. Our cause looks gloomy indeed, 
from every quarter the news is unfavorable and I 
fear the worst. 



*ge, S 



Sherman's march to the ska. 23 

Emily, This is sad news truly, yet fortune may 
smile upon our armies struggling for their rights, 
and the northern invaders be driven back con- 
quered and humiliated. May the God of battles 
protect our brave warriore, and give them strength 
to resist the march of the foe, and lead them on to 
victory. 

Capt. G. Amen, dear Emily. You are yet 
firm in your adhesion to our cause, which I pray 
may be successful. The spirit with which you are 
animated, is the same that possesses the liearts of 
all true daughters of the South. 

Emily. Thank Heaven that we do possess the 
spirit of such men as Sumpter, Marion, Lee, and a 
host of others, whoso devotion and zeal for their 
country are yet fresh in our memory. Whose firm 
and lofty principles are engraved upon our hearts 
in letters of fire. Whose untiring zeal and un- 
wavering purpose are so worthy of imitation. 
Truly, the memory of their deeds should give us 
renewed energy, and instil into our lives such 
unyielding devotion that we may be stimulated to 
renewed efforts until we behold our independence, 
or the life blood of millions will stain the sacred 
soil of a people wlio may be subdued but never 
conquered. 

Capt. G. Noble sentiments and admirably 
expressed, the sentiments of every true Southron. 
Our land shall be freed from northern oppression, 
or the last drop of blood that fires the southern 
heart shall be shed in its defense. But time is pass- 
ing, and I must bid you adieu for the present. I 
think you had better hasten to Columbia, and start aa 
soon as possible. Gen. Sherman has issued orderg 
that the inhabitants of this city must vacate within 



24 THE MAID OF COLUMBIA, OK 



ten days, and you should avail yourself of the 
opportunity ere prevented by circumstances which 
may suddenly arise. I shall have to escape from 
the city in disguise, and travel all night in order to 
join my regiment by break of day. 

E^nily. Oh ! Albert, I am anxious for your 
safety. I fear you may be captured, and I shall 
not rest ujitil I hear of your safe arrival within 
your linc^. 

Ca])t. G. Do not worry, dear P^mily. I appre- 
hend no danger of detection, I shall assume a clever 
disguise. You will hear from me soon, or I shall 
see you in Columbia. Something tells me that we 
will not be long separated. Victory may be ours, 
and then I shall return to claim you as my own. 
Through sunshine and storm your image will be 
my guiding star. And should I fall while battling 
for the right, remember that my last blow was in 
defense of my native land, and my last thought of 
thee. May heaven protect you. {Exit to sJoio 
music. Emily sinhs into chair weejnng ) 

(Enter Yaegek.) 

Yaeger. This place has a melancholy aspect to 
me, the bird is not yet in her cage. {Sees Emily, 
who lool's ujy.) Ah ! Miss Lawton, your eyes are 
red with weeping. Perhaps because the Yankee 
hireling has possession of Atlanta, and Gen. Hood 
has been compelled to M'ithdraw. I deeply sym- 
pathize with you in your love of country. I, too, 
feel the blood of Southern patriotism in my veins. 

Emily. "What brings you here, insolent sir? 
My love for my country is, I trust, upright and 
honorable, while yours is greed and self-aggrandize- 
ment. I have heard tales of horror, in connection 




Sherman's makch to the sea. 25 

with your name, that curdle the blood in a true, 
loj'^al, southern heart. 

Yaeger. {confused.) I came, Miss Lawton, to 
inquire if my affianced bride and your old friend, 
Miss Effie Raymond, has arrived. 
Emily. No. Is she coming ? 
Yaeger. I expected to find her here, but if she 
is not I will take my departure, for mj patriotism 
conflicts with yours. 

Emily. O ! Mr. Yaeger ! Why can't you 
renounce the base, wicked life you lead, and join 
the ranks of the true southern army and battle as 
a man for our independence ? Then would I receive 
you as a friend in my home, and be proud of your 
acqiiaintance. 

Yaeger. Miss Lawton, when I am convinced of 
of my wickedness, I will listen to your harangue. 
Does not the cursed Yankee seize our property, 
lay waste our country, and burn our towns and 
villages ? When he fights honorably I will forsake 
my command. Au revoir. {Exit?) 

Emily. How I w^ant to see my dear friend Effie, 
and I wonder how she will get through the lines of 
the enemy. Perhaps her sojourn in the North has 
made her hate the South and all the southern 
people. Yet I hope not. I will go and dispatch a 
servant to search for her. {Exit.) 
Scene 3. — Street. Enter Dick E[aeper and Bum.- 
mers, l. 

Dick Harper, Halt ! Well, boys, we have cap- 
tured Atlanta by scaring the enemy, and we will 
skirmish over the city for amusement. {Lookmg 
off.) Keep shady, here comes one of the chivalry. 
{Enter Clerqtman, with carpet hag, k.) Hold on 
3 



26 THE MAID OF COLUMBIA, OK 

there, stranger. What have jou got in that bag ? 
(Clergyman tries to escape.) No use, my christian 
friend, we're going to know what you carry in that 
traveling companion. 

Clergy. I am a clergyman, gentlemen, on a 
peaceful mission. Pray, do not detain me. 

Harper. It don't make any difference what your 
mission is, we are going to know the contents of 
that bag. ( TF/'<?.§fe it from him.) 

Clergy. Please do not take my sermon, for I 
liave to preach to-niglit. I assure you, there is 
nothing in there that can do you any good. 

Harper. Hold your bosses, stranger ! You can 
have your bag presently. {Opens hag and 2)ulls 
^ut long linen dtister. Hands it to a Bummer^ who 
■jputs it on.) That's his surplice, ai'n't it boys? 
{Tahes outhlack hottle.) Halloo ! here's his sermon. 
Let's see what the text is. {Reads label on hottle.) 
Old Bourbon Whiskey ! That's a healthy sermon ! 
I've read the text, now for the application. {Drinhs 
and passes it to Bummers.) Pretty tiery sermon 
that, {Sniachs his lips.) generally aifects a con- 
gregation perceptibly. {Pidls out old white hat.) 
That's his chiipeau. {Takes out pack of cards.) 
Mighty cripes ! Boys, here's his credentials. {Bum- 
uners laugh.) How are you. Clergyman ? 

Clergy. I beg of you desist. You have robbed 
me of my medicine, and I shall suffer in conse- 
quence. Besides, I have an appointment. 

Harper. Here is your bag, and here is the cover 
to your sermon, which was excellent. Grood-bye, 
friend. Clergyman departing^ l.) I say ! parson, 
you can fill out another sermon from the same text. 
The subject ain't exhausted, by any means. {LooTc- 



Sherman's march to the sea, 2T 

ing of, E.) Hooray ! boys, here comes another 
clergyman. (Miter Capt. Golding with carpet-hag 
and umbrella, dressed as a plantation negro ^ How 
are you, snowflake ? How's your mother ? 

Capt. O. Pretty well, sah. How's yer ladder ? 

Harper. I^ever had any, my white pilgrim. 

Capt. G. Who, who brot yer up den, if you 
didn't have any fadder? 

Harper. Wasn't brought up, — was yanked up 
and twitched up, same as you'll be if you ain't 
civil. 

Capt. G. 'Scuse me, sah. I tot dere was some 
Yank about yer, sah. Good-day, sah. 

HarpQY. Hold your bosses ! What have you 
in the bag ? 

Capt. G . Nufhn but wearin' 'parrel. Good day, 
sah ! 

Harp)er. Hold on, "beautiful snow." I'll take 
a look at your 'parrel, if you please. 

Cajjt. G. 'Scuse me, can't wait, sah. Good day, 
sah ! 

Harper. Boys, take hold of him, and I'll see if 
he has another sermon. {TaT^es avmy the hag.) 

Capt. G. Gemmen, dis am outrageous. I'm a 
peaceful citizen on peaceful business. 

Harper {Opens bag and takes out revolver.') 
You are a j)eaceful citizen, are you ? You can't be 
very peaceable if you carry such a piece as this. 
{Fiimhles bag and takes out howie Jcnife.) Halloo ! 
here's another piece of a peaceful citizen's pieces. 
I guess he's a Justice of the Peace. 

Capt. G. Dis am imfamous, sah. I'm 'spectable 
man, sah ; and don't deserve dis treatment, sah. 

Harper. No doubt of your respectability, but 
let's see that parasol. {Takes umbrella, and pulj,^ 



28 THE MAID OF COLUMBIA, OR 



out sword from within.) Now, that's quite a 
respectable looking article of respectability. I 
think we'll have to confiscate this property ; 'tis of" 
no use to a peaceful citizen. Take off that coat. 
(GoLDiNG tries to escape. Take his coat off, boys.. 
{Bummers take of his coat^ and discover a Coj feder- 
ate uniform. Harper wipes some of the hlachfrom his 
face. Ha ! ha ! Well, my peaceful citizen, Gen. 
Sherman wants you. How are you peaceful citizen ? 
This is what I call the pinnacle of glory. {Somebody 
heard singing : " Pm going to fight mit Sigel.^^y 
Sh ! Here comes the next on the programme. 

{Miter fat Dutchman^ r., singing.) 

I see the boys dressed out in blue 
To fi^ht the Yankee ea^le ; 
I dress my frou in bntchaloons 
To go and fight mit Sigel. 

Harper. Hold your bosses ! How are you, any 
way ? 

John Shmidt Vigates, shentlemen ; how you is ?' 

Harper. What's your name, old limberger ? 

ShTnidt. Hansdansmiteransmiteroberthoffinshof- 
iin coffin — 

Harper. There, there, that will do. What do- 
call it in English ? 

Schmidt. John Schmidt. 

Ha/rper. Why in the devil didn't you say John 
Smith in the first place? What a handle ! You 
can name all your children out of that, and still 
have enough left to break the jaw of any one but 
a Dutchman. Can you speak English? 

Schmidt. Yaw, I shpeaks him. 

Harper. Got anything about your old corpora- 
tion, that you want to get rid of? 



Sherman's march to the sea. 2& 

Schnidt. Nix. I got noddings. 

Harper. ( Takes e7ior7nous sausage from Schmidt'^s- 
pocJcets.) What do you call that, old Pretzel?' 
{Strikes him across the stomach.) 

Schmidt. Dunder and blitzen ! What foi* you da 
so ? I gets mad like te tuyval ! Tat ish no goot. 
I fights mit Sigel ! 

Harper. Well, Hans, here is your property ; 
you can go; Give a good account of yourself when 
you get with Sigel. 

Schmidt. Yaw, tat ish goot ; tat ish petterj^as 
goot. Goot-tay, shentlemen, — tat ish petter as 
never vas. {Exit r., singing — " I goes to fight mit 
SigeV) 

Harper. Come, boys, let's git for refreshments^ 
{Exit Bum/mers^ l., singing :) 

We're a band of Bummers, 
We're a band of Bummers, 
We're a band of Bummers, 
And we'll sound it througb the land. 

(Enter Ben, r.) 
J5en. Golly ! dis am a mighty fine place. I 
never s'posed I'd see so much ob de world as I hab 
in de last tree weeks. I's glad I 'listed. Who'd 
ebber t'o't I'd be a ossifer, and carry a sword ? 
Golly ! nigger's good as white man if he only tinks 
80. Fust I's high private in de rear ranks ; den I 
got promulgated to wagon driber ; den, for extin- 
guishing myself in a row wid anodder nigger, I 
advanced agin. Den Col. Seymour wanted a body- 
guard, an' he picked me out ob a t'ousand men, — 
only tink ob it ; out of one t'ousand men only one 
would answer de puppos, and dat man is myself. 
Gorry mighty ! dis nigger's in luck. At de same 
2* 



30 THE MAID OF COLUMBIA, OR 

time I am true to de interest ob de Union — de land 
ob my ladders — de land dej fougbt, lit and. foutr 
for ! My gran'-fadder fell Hgtin* in de reb'lutionary 
struggle. I fell ligbtin once, when I bad de row 
wid dat odder nigger. Golly ! bow dat nigger didi 
butt ! I a'n't used to dese low plantation niggers,, 
dat's wby be — why de — de — de equilibrium ob my 
form was disturbed in dat 'counter wid s'perior 
force. Yes, de equilibrium ob my body was 
destroyed ; an' de 'traction ob grabitation drew me 
sud'nly to de 'artb, 'mid de shouts ob de multitude 
who witnessed de spe'tacle. I was 'prived ob 
sensibleness for an indefinite space ob more or less 
dan an hour. But dis nigger couldn't be kept 
down ; he riz in his might and shouted, as de fust 
Napoleon did at Bunker Plill : de victory am won !. 
de field am ours ! I at once became de favorite, 
ob de army,, and de pet ob de regiment. Where 
de balls fall de t'ickest, where de battle rages de 
tiercestest, where de roar ob de fight am in — 
in — inaccessible, an' de cries ob de dead an' 
wounded am extricating, dere's where dis nigger 
can't be seen. — Kaze, why? Kaze he's in de 
tickest ob de sanguinary conflict, an' so enweloj)ed 
in de sulphurous vapors which enfold de excited 
combattcrs, dat his towering form is incomprehen- 
sible to de specked-tators ! 

(Enter Col. Seymouk, k.) 
Col. S. Here, you black rascal ! What are you 
making so much noise about? 

JBen. Beg pard'n, Colonel. I's so exaspe'rated 
at de exuberance ob my patriotic disposition, dat I 
hab to give utterance to my pent up feelin's, or 
suffer a spontaneous combustification ! 

Col. There, hold on, that will do. As long as- 



Sherman's makch to thk sea. 311 

you didn't explode you have no cause for appre- 
hension. 

(Enter Capt. Golding, out of breath.) 

JBen. O, Lord ! dere's one ob dem niggers ! 
{Exit in a hurry.) 

Col. Who are you, sir '( Ah I a Confederate- 
officer. {Starts haoh in surprise.) Capt. Golding ! 
Are you a spy ? 

Cajjt. G. No, Col. Seymour, I am not. I was- 
seeking to escape from the city in disguise, but was 
discovered by some of Sherman's Bummers and 
made a prisoner. While being taken to head- 
quarters I broke from the guard and fled ; even 
now they are on my track. Surely, you will not 
prevent my escape. 

Col. Not I. You were a friend to me in time- 
of trouble. Think you I willrepay your kindness 
with ingratitude ? 

Capt. G. Thank you. Colonel. I knew your- 
. noble disposition better. 

Col. When I was a prisoner, far from home- 
and friends, you ministered unto me, and by your 
efforts I was exchanged ; otherwise I might have- 
been an inmate of that den of horrors, Anderson- 
ville ! Yonder lies your only avenue of escape. 
There has been no guard posted on that road, but 
soon will be. If you would be free, the way is- 
open. 

Capt. G. Such generosity will not go unre- 
warded. I shall see you to repay this friendly act^ 

Col. I have had my reward, but should it lie in. 
your power to add one particle of comfort to any 
of those who are languishing in your foul prisons, 
do it for the sake of humanity. Render aid while- 
you can ; for we ai'e going with fire and sword ^ 



32 THE MAID OF COLUMBIA, OR 

and shall la}' waste those pestilential charnel 
houses ! those living tombs of our brave soldiers I 
Farewell, and should we meet upon the field of 
battle, remember it will be as enemies ! {Mcif 
Capt. G., saluting Col. S., who watches him off.) 
He will run great risk, yet I think will escape. 
He possesses talent that should be employed in a 
better cause than this falsely conceived Southern 
Confederacy. Yet he is but one of thousands 
who have been led astray by the machinations of 
demagogism. {Exit.) 

Scene 4. — Exterior of Emily Lawton's home. — 
Bridge in hack-ground. 

(Emily heard singing :) 

Hoorah ! hoorah ! for Southern riglits hoorah ! 
Hoorali ! hoorah ! for the bonnie, blue flagr 
That bears a single star ! 

(Enter Effie and Dk. Bolus.) 
Jiffle. This is the house and home of Emily, 

How thankful I am, for I am weary with my 

journey. 

Dr. B. Cosy looking place ; you will appreciate \ 

it after your wearisome experience of the last few • 

weeks. 
(Emily comes from house, and recognizes Effie.) 
^2^. Oh ! Emily. , 

Emily. My dear Effie. {They embrace^ I ami 

glad to see you. When did you arrive, and how 

did you get here ? 

Effie. I arrived just now, but the way I got 

here is not so easily told. And, oh ! Emily, you 

don't know how glad I am to see a woman once 

more ; for I have seen nothing but man, man — men 

at peace, and men at war — ^for ever so long. (Db. 



Sherman's march to the sea. 33^ 

Bolus herns!) Excuse me, Doctor. Miss Lawtoiiy 
this is Dr. Bolus, who has been iiiy traveling 
companion. {They how.) 

Dr. B. Happy to make your acquaintance. 

Emily. You are welcome to my home, Doctor^ 
though all the inhabitants of Atlanta must leave 
the city in a few days. Yet, while I stay, you and 
my clear friend Effie are doubly welcome. Let us 
go in, Effie, for you must be tired to death. 
(Enter Col. Setmotje.) 

Col. S. Ah ! Dr. Bolus, you have arrived all safe, 
I see. Miss Effie, I give you joy of your arrival: 
to your friends. I have been anxious on your 
account since I left you, a week ago ; but I knew 
you were in good hands. {To Br.) Doctory. 
please accept my thanks for the faithful performance 
of the favor I asked of you. When I relinquished 
the care of Miss Raymond to you, I did so reluc- 
tantly. Not that I felt unwilling to trust her in 
your hands, but because I was sorry to part with 
her company. Yet it was necessay, for duty called 
me elsewhere. 

Effie. {Confvsed.) C'ol. Seymour, allow me to- 
make you acquainted with Miss Lawton, of whom 
you have heard me speak'. {They how.) 

Col. S. Miss Lawton, I am proud of the acqaint- 
ance of any friend of Miss Raymond's. 

Br. B. Colonel, can you give me any inforraa- 
in regard to my son % 

Col. S. Yes, the son you seek is in the hospital 
on the outskirts of the city, I will have you con- 
ducted thither. {Speaking off.) Ben ! 

{Enter Ben, while Col. S. writes a note.) 

Ben. Yes, sah. I am here ! 

Col. S. Conduct this gentleman to hospital l^o- 



34 J HE MAID OF COLUMBIA, OR 

4, and deliver this note to Surgeon Dellabarre, 

Dr. B. Ladies, I bid you adieu. {Exit Dk. 
Bolus and Ben.) 

Col. 8. I, too, must leave you now, but I will 
call on you again to-morrow, and inform you what 
prospect there is of your getting to Columbia. 
XExit) 

Ejjie. Wluit a noble man ! Yet, he is only one 
of the many I have seen at the North. Oh ! Emily, 
how mistaken you are in these people. (Yaegee 
'peers around the corner of house.) 

Emily. Eiiie, how can you speak so well of 
those who are warring upon the South, burning 
and devastating the land of your birth, bringing 
sorrow and desolation to our midst, and desecrat- 
ing the sacred soil with their polluting presence? 

Ejfie. I speak of that I know to be true, and 
the whole South cannot alter my opinion. 

Emily. Well, Effie, we won't quarrel about it. 
Our difference in opinion shall not sever the ties 
of friendsliip, existing between us. 

(Yaeger comes down^-^-has on false beard.) 

EjJie. Who are you, sir ? Why do you gaze so 
insolently at us ? Begone ! 

Yaeger. I am one who knows you well, yet to 
you I am a stranger. 

Effie. True, sir, I know you not. Pray, retire 
and leave us to ourselves. 

Yaeger. Ha! ha ! ha ! Think you to rid your- 
self of me so easily ? Behold ! {Takes off wig.) 
I am an old acquaintance. (Effie fm^Z Emily sta7't.) 

Effie. Eobert Yaeger! Why do you follow 
me? Did I not tell you never to seek or speak to 
me again ? Away ! I loath your hateful presence ! 

Yaeger. Don't get excited, my dear, 'twill do 



Sherman's march to the sea. 35 

no good. I came to see you, and give you an 
opportunity to retract the language you used 
toward me when last we met. 

Effie. ]^ever, sir ! My opinion of you has 
undergone no change, except for the worse. Emily, 
let us go in, such insolence is disgusting. 

Yaeger. Not so fast, my beauty. I am here to 
dictate terms to you ; you are in my power, and 
resistance is useless. My men are concealed within 
call. I came for you, and shall have you ; and all 
the powers of earth shall not wrest you from me. 

{Seizes her and hears her away. Effie fights 
and screams. Emily faints. Enter Col. S.) 

Col. S. What ! there's trouble here ! 

{Enter Dick Harper and JBuinmers.) 

Harper. Hold your bosses ! Where's the 
woman who gave that scream ? 

Col. S. There's foul play here. (Emily revives.) 
Speak, where is Effie ? (Emily informs him in a 
faint voice.) Quick ! Some villain has abducted 
a young lady — arrest him, if possible, — you shall 
be well rewarded ! 

{Bummers disperse^ r. and l. — Col. Seymour 
hears Emily to the house, and hurries away.—Yx.'EQ-ER 
is seen on the hridge with Effie in his arms. — JBum- 
Triers appear, and point guns at hiyn.) 

Harper. Shoot the whelp, boys ! 

(Yaeger points dagger at Effie's heart — Col. 
Sjjymour rushes in front of the guns, and throws 
up his arms.) 

Col. S. Hold ! 'tis useless, — he will kill her ! 

Exciting Tableau. — Red light. 

CURTAIN. 



36 THE MAID OF COLUMBIA., OR 



ACT III. 



Scene 1. — Col. Seymour's headquarters.— Got.. Sey- 
mour discovered in tent, writing. — Guard in 
front of tent. — Soldiers walking about with halls 
a/nd chains, and suffering jpunishment, <&c. 

{Miter Ben, toho stumbles and falls in front of 
tent.) 

Col. What means this, you black rascal ? Why- 
do you approach my tent in this manner ? 

Jjen. Beg pardon, sah. But dere'a a report 
dat all de rebels am about to 'tack dis army, an' 
I's come a'ter my 'countrements. 

Col. {Coming from tent.) Begone 1 no more 
of your nonsense ; behave, or you shall go to the 
guard house ! 

Ben. Yes, sah ! I'll behabe. {Pulls handker- 
chief from pocket, and lot of spoons fall on ground.) 

Col. How is this ! How came you with those 
spoons ~ 



Ben. Ain't I Ben Butler! an' ain't I after 
spoons ? 

Col. Go to your quarters, I shall want you 
presently. (Ben picks up spoons, and all go out 
imt Col. S.) 



SHEKMAlf's MAECH TO THE SEA. 37 

{Enter Dick Hakper.) 

Harper. {Salutes Col.) Well, Colonel, I am 
liere to receive orders, then I'm ready to execute 
them. The boys are out foraging, but I expect 
them here every minute. 

Col. I am pleased to see you so punctual. I 
wish you and your men to be in readiness to 
accompany me, within an hour, in the search for 
Miss Raymond and the guerrilla, Yaeger. 

Harper. All right, Colonel. I think I know 
where the cuss is hiding. It won't take long for 
the boys to amble up there, and it's right on the 
line of march. If we don't make a scattering 
among his men, then call me a liar. 

Col. Very well, Dick. Give the boys plenty 
to eat and drink. I will be with you at the end of 
an hour. {£'nte7's tent.) 

Harjyer. {Loohing off.) Here come the boys. 
■{Enter Butniners with chichens, tu7'keys, JP^9^-) (&o.) 
Hold your bosses ! Boys, you'd better camp over 
there by that fire ; till up your carcasses and get 
ready for business, for we're going to travel all 
night. I'll be with you in half an hour. {Exeunt 
£um?ne?'s.) How are you guerrillas ! 

Col. Orderly, send hither those men now in 
confinement for disobedience of orders. {Earit Or- 
derly. CoL. Seymouk co77ies forward.) How slow 
the time passes ! Every moment seems an age. 
And every moment Effie may be borne farther away. 
Heaven help her in this time of trouble, giving her 
strength to endure the indignities inflicted upon 
her, and bring her safe out of this great peril. 
'Tis strange how dear she has grown to me in the 
abort time that we have been acquainted. Every 
4 



38 THE MAID OF COLUMBIA, OR 

hour I think of her, — every lioiir the esteem and 
friendship in which I hold her are strengthened. 
This anxiety is terrible, and the thought "of what 
she may suffer is maddening ! {Enter Orderly 
with men.) Men, you are guilty of disobedience of 
orders, but in lieu of further punishment, I will 
give you a chance to render yourselves worthy of 
commendation. You are to depart with Dick 
Harper and his men on a mission, the nature of 
which you will understand in good time. {They 
eheer.) Orderly, undo their fastenings, and send 
Ben to Ijring the arms of these men. {Orderly 
unfastens them, and goes out.) Men, you are not 
lacking in courage, and you can soon prove your- 
selves iieroes. {They cheer.) 

{Enter Ben, loith guns.) 
Ben. Heahy my partners in distress — heah, am 
jour deadly weapons, follow me. 

{They go off. Enter Orderly with Emily. Or- 
derly salutes the Col., and goes off.) 

Col. S. Ah ! Miss Lawton, I am happy to see 
yon. You look better than when I last saw you. 

Emily. Col. Seymour, my object in coming 
here is to learn if you have any tidings of Effie. I 
fear for her safety. 

Col. I am sorry to inform you that I have heard 
nothing from Miss Raymond ; but I have ordered a 
company of men, in command of Sergt. Harper, 
to be ready to go with me in search of her, and 
I hope to rescue her from the villain who abducted 
her. If the expedition is successful I will inform 
jou immediately. 

Emily. I feel grateful, Colonel, for your effort 
.Xo rescue her from the toils of Yaeger. Although 



shkrman's march to the sea. 3^ 

I regard every Federal soldier as an enemy to the 
South, I shall ever remember Col. Seymour as a 
friend, for his interest in the welfare of my dear 
Effie. 

Col. It is the duty of a soldier to battle for the 
right, and to protect the weaker sex — to rescue, if 
possible, such as may be in the hands of such 
wretches as the guerrilla Yaeger, It is but natural 
that your sympathies are with your native state. 
Yet the time is not far away, when you will see 
events in their true light. Then the many, deluded 
by the false representations of Southern leaders, 
will see with eyes from which the scales have 
fallen, Truth rise from the darkness in which it has 
been shrouded ; and its influence will so enlighten 
the people that they will return to their allegiance, . 
and to thr protection of that flag from which they 
are estranged. V 

Emily. I do not agree with you that the people 
are deluded. They know their rights, and, know- 
ing, dare maintain My people are but defending 
their soil from the march of the invader, and will 
never lay down their arms, till the last Northern 
soldier is driven from our soil. 

Col. You are too sanguine, Miss Lawton ; and 
your hopes, like those of thousands of your people, 
are doomed to bitter disappointment. Already are 
the armies of Lee and Johnston being surely 
driven to the last extremity. The i-ebellion i& 
being severed by this great march of Sherman^ 
who is going through Georgia, down to the sea L 
It is madness for your people to contend against 
the armies of the ]!*}^orth, " whose name is Legion.'^ 
Eyer;;!^ man, old and, young have been impressed 



4:0 THE MAID OF COLUMBIA, OR 

into your ranks ; while at the ISTorth, instead of the- 
grass growing in the streets — as your people believe 
— the cities and villages are teeming with liundreds 
of thousands of stalwart men ; who, if necessary, 
will enroll themselves to battle for the Union.. 
Your country is depopulated ; ruin and desolation 
meet the eye in every direction. Everything showS' 
the deplorable condition of your sunny South, 
which must soon yield to the conquering hosts of 
loyal men. 

Emily. You paint a gloomy picture ; but my 
people are not easily discouraged, and my faith will 
never be broken till I see our proud chivalry 
humbled in the dust. 

Col. It is not our object to humiliate the people 
of the South. If we are victors we can be gener- 
ous. How is it in places where we have planted 
^ the old flag ? The people wdio expected to see the 
'' Hordes of Northern Vandals " overrun the land 
burning and pillaging, reveling in rapine and 
slaughter, have been agreeably disappointed to And 
that Northern men j)ossess at least one element of 
which Southern leaders are destitute — humanity ! 

(Emily recognizes sword in Col. Setmode's hand.. 
Starts. 

Eraily. How came f ou by that weapon ? 

Col. That was taken from the person of a rebel 
oflicer — Capt. Albert Golding. 

Emily. I knew it was his. O ! Colonel, has- 
harm befallen him ? Speak, I beseech you ! 

Col. Capt. Golding was taken prisoner while- 
trying to escape from the city in disguise. 

Emily. He is a prisoner, then ! 

Col. Not so. While being conducted to head- 



Sherman's march to the sea.. 41 

quarters he broke from the ^^uard, and in his 
endeavors to escape by flight he accidently met 
me ; but in consideration of a service once ren- 
dered me, I refused to detain him, and he is 
probably ere this safe witli his command. 

Emily. Thank Heaven ! I shall depart with the 
conviction that if Col. Seymour represents the 
Northern soldier. I have been greatly mistaken. 
Your kindness will have the effect to lessen my 
bitterness towards your people, but I shall ever 
remain true to the sunny South, the land of my 
birth. 

Col. Orderly, conduct this lady through the 
lines. (Emily goes out with Orderly.) 

{Enter Diuk Haepee and Bummers.) 

Harper. Hold your bosses ! Boys. {They sing.) 

Hurrah ! Hiirrah ! we bring the jubilee. 
Hurrah ! Hurrah ! the flag that makes you free. 
So we'll sing the chorus from Atlanta to the sea. 
While we go marching through Georgia. 

Scene 2. — Guerrilla Camp. Effie and' Yaegee;. 

discovered. Gue^'rillas in hack ground. 

Yaeger. It is useless for you to appeal to my 
hum^hity or to my honor. I am deaf to your en- 
treaties to restore you from whence you were ta- 
ken. You are in my power, and there you shall 
remain till rendered submissive to the will that 
accepts of no condition other than that you become 
my wife. 

Effie. I shall never make my situation subject 
to any conditions you may exact. Neither will I 
ever become your wife. The cold, slimy touch of 
a venomous reptile would be more welcome than 
the polluting contact of your contemptible self. 

Yaeger. Do you remember, when yoii so hate- 
fully dismissed me from your presence, my vow of 
4* 



42 THE MALD OF COLUMBIA, OK 

vengeance ? Did I not say that you would yet 
kneel to me, and repent in tears ? 

Ejffie. I well remember your cowardly threat ;,_ 
but I am not so willing to make terms with you as 
you predicted. It is true, I repent in tears — repent 
of ever knowing you, and of the evil day when 
first I heard your name. Never have I kneeled to 
you — the day never will dawn that sees me a sup- 
pliant at your feet. There is but One to whom I 
will bend the knee, and He is able to deliver me- 
from out your contaminating clutches. 

Yaegei'. You talk finely. Your sojourn at the 
North has developed an independence and sarcasm 
as surprising as it is deplorable. See ! Here are the 
cursed colors of JSTorthern Fanatics. Even as I 
tread the vile fabric beneath my feet, {TraTnjples 
on flag ) so will I trample you in the dust. 

J^ffie. Shame ! to thus insult the memory of 
your fathers by the desecration of a banner born- 
of patriotic blood ; the standard at whose shrine 
was sacrificed the lives of heroes, that you might 
breath the air of liberty; the flag of the country 
which gave you birth, and sheltered you till man- 
hood's prime ! Shame ! traitor, to turn like the 
viper, and sting the hand that warmed you into 
life ! You, and your like, are a stain upon our 
fair escutcheon ! But thank God, the blood of 
thousands shed in its defense, will be sufiicient 
atonement to raise the noble banner from the 
treacherous depths — regenerated, spotless and un- 
sullied — to float triumphantly in every land, re- 
spected and feared by the nations of the earth. 
{Fife and drum heard in the distance^ 
Hark ! what do I hear ! 'Tis music ! 'Tis the 



bherman's ma-rch to the sea. 45 

Federal army, marching to the sea ! They come I 
Liberty or death ! {Snatches revolver from Yaegeb's 
helt, seizes flag, and leajps upon a rock.) One move- 
ment, and I tire ! I will have my liberty or die 
beneath the starry folds of the flag that never was 
conquered ! ( Waves flag. — The cfiaracters form a 
Irilliant picture.) 

{Enter Haepeb and Bximmers.) 
Harper. Hold your bosses ! 
{Bummers fire. — Guerrillas return the fire. — 
Fight, shouts, yells, c&c. — Effie stands firm, wa/v- 
ing flag. — Guerrillas retreat. — Bumm^ers in pur- 
suit. — I'aeger, m,addened at the probable result^ 
rushes toward Effie, Jcnife in hand.) 

Yaeger. Die then, and let that hateful rag 
become your winding sheet ! 

(CoL. Seymour riishes in, seizes Effie, points 
sword at Yaeger's heart, and drives him off.—Enter- 
Ben with knives, guns, pistols, c&c. Fires right 
a/nd left, jumps about.) 

Ben. See, de conquering hero. {Fires one of 
the giins, which knocks hirn over.) 

{Enter Yaegbr in flight. — Ben takes to his heels.. 
Bummers confront Yaeger.) 

Harper. Hold your bosses ! Your race is about 
run. (Yaeger is made a prisoner.) JSTow for 
business. Yaeger, you have played your last card,, 
and lost the game. Your devilish career is about 
to close, and the very earth will rejoice to be rid of 
you. Boys, run a rope over that limb, he's got to 
be promoted. 

Yaeger. You don't mean to hang me, do you? 
Harper. Hanging is too good for you ; but 
we'll be human, and string you up easy. 



44 TUE MAID OF COLUMBIA, OK 

Yaeger. This is outrageous, barbarous, and not 
according to tlie rules of civilized warfare. 

Ilarjper. Don't you go to preaching about 
civilized warfare. Is it civilized warfare to capture 
an unprotected female, and bear her away to this 
uninhabited region, among your lawless followers ? 
Is it civilized warfare to plunder defenseless inhab- 
itants, burn their dwellings, submitting them to 
indignities and outrage % Is it civilized warfare to 
take thirty thousand prisoners, force them into a 
loathsome pen, feed them on that which is not fit 
for swine, and let them die in untold misery ? 
You're a fit subject to speak of civilized warfare ; 
but we are going to give you a touch of it, accord- 
ing to the rebel interpretation of the term. 

{A rope is run over a limh, and fastened around 
'Yaegeb's neck?) 

Yaeger. Do not hang me like a dog, but shoot 
me through the heart. 

Harper. Now, boys, when I give the word, 
gently w^aft him skyward. 

{Reiels hurst xipon them. Union troops appear. 
Great hattle of . Union troops 

victorious. Yankee Doodle /) 

Scene 3rd. — Wood o?i thepichet line. 

{Enter Effie and Col. Seymour.) 

Effie. I cannot think of words adequate to ex- 
press my gratitude to you for the service performed 
whereby I was rescued from the hands of a villain- 
ous desperado. My father shall be notified of the 
act, and you shall not go unrewarded. 

Col. S. I ask no reward, neither will I accept it. 
It is the duty of every man to protect virtue and 



Sherman's MARcn to the sea. ^ 45 

innocence : and to punish such as seek to do injury 
by deeds of violence. You wonld have been rescu- 
ed at the time of your capture, but the sight of a 
dagger aimed at your heart by a desperate out-law, 
60 horrified me, and the sudden comprehension of 
the result consequent upon an immediate attempt 
to save you, caused me to withhold the men from 
pursuit. 

Effie. Your judgment was good ; for had the 
guerrilla seen a possibility of his capture he would 
have sacrificed me at once. How thankful I am 
that I am once more among those who are honora- 
ble and true ! Yet I did not despair, when I was 
borne far away among vindictive and unprincipled 
men. I prayed to that all-seeing Power to deliver 
me from the perilous situation, to i-estore me safe 
within the Union lines 

Col. S. Your prayer was heard — villainy foiled, 
and right triuinphed.(to7aV^^ Jier hand) Efiie, in the 
last few weeks I have learned to regard you with a 
deeper interest than that of mere friendship, and 
have hopes that my feelings will have a response in 
the heart of one to whom a life long devotion and 
an undivided love will be given. 

Effie. {confused)! was not aware that you re- 
garded me otherwise than as a friend. I have been 
one constant source of trouble to you. 

Col. S. Far from it. It has been a great pleas- 
ure to me having your company. A great relief of 
the tedium of a soldier's life, and 1 am sure I 
would be happy to be troubled with you from this 
time henceforth. 

Effie. I am afraid you would regret this state- 
ment in time, if you should be doomed to such 
misfortune. 



46 . THE MAID OF COLUMBIA, OR 

Col. S. But it WO aid not be misfortune. I 
would consider it the most fortunate event 
in my whole life. {Enter escaped ^prisoner, ema- 
tiated and in rags ; totters and falls.) Ah what 
have we here ? A soldier of the old flag ? {recog- 
nises hhn) What ! can I believe my eyes ! Do I 
see my old friend, whom I mourned as dead so 
many months ago ? What ho ! guard, send hither 
njen with a stretcher immediately ! {raises Imn up) 
Keep up your courage, you are within the federal 
lines and soon will behold the army of blue and the 
flag of tho free ! Tis useless, his pulse grows weak- 
er and fainter. He has but a few moments to live. 
From whence came you ? {Col. puts his ear down 
and listens) From Andersonville ! O ! my God ! 
{Effie p}(ts vial to soldier'' s nostrils.) 

-Effie. Here poor soldier, smell of this ! 

Col. S. His life is flickering away. Far away 
among the New England hills there is a cosy little 
cottage where dwell his wife and child. They will 
be looking lor him, for his term of service expires 
soon, yet they will watch in vain for his coming. 
Though you are far from home and in a strange 
land, you can die within the camp of the boys in 
blue with your hand clasped in that of a Union sol- 
dier. {He dies. Effie ineeps. Impressive miisic.) 

Col. S. {rising) Another life yielded in defense 
of the Union. Another name added to the list of 
our country's heroes. Though his sun has set in 
sadness, it will rise resplendent with the glories of 
immortality, to beam perpetual in the realms of the 
infinite. Thousands more are dying where foul 
southern swamps exhale their deadly breath ; 
where each blade and leaf drip with venomous dew; 
where disease stalks in naked horror to fix its ma- 



Sherman's march to the sea. 47 

lignant clutch on the vitals of suffering martyrs ; 
where fiendish ingenuity exults in the infliction of 
torture and contumely : where pity is an attribute 
unknown ; where feeling is dead ; where cruelty 
thrives on the blood of victims, immolated to sa- 
tiate the cravings of ah implacable foe ! But all 
things must have an end. The end of southern 
prison pens approaches ; the end of captivity is 
near. We go to the rescue. Through winter storms 
we will march ; the sj)ring floods ^ve will dare ; the 
summer heat will not daunt us ; and the falling 
leaves will not see us tarry on the way. Like a 
whirlwind we go to conquer and redeem. The 
blood of murdered legions cry aloud for vengence. 
{Soldiers enter with stretcher and hear prisoner 
of. Col. Seymour and Ejjie folloio . Music.) 
{Enter Ben witit gun.) 
Ben. My beat am from dat tree out dar to dat 
white rock ober yonder. Golly ! I don't like dis 
being out on picket all night. Some southern con- 
fed'rate rebel, would jes as lief extinguish my glori- 
ous career and fatally kill me dead as to eat his ba- 
con. Den I'd be a dead beat, shuah. Dis am not 
my spear. I was born to command instead ob per- 
forming de disgusting servility of manual laborio- 
ousness. Odder men hab become famous, who 
knows but dis individual may soar to de pinnacle 
ob greatness. Didn't de cackling ob de goose sabe 
Rome? Didn't Ben Franklin grab de streaked 
lightnin' from de ragin' skies and bottle it ? Don't 
dey keep lightnin' in bottles now ? Did'n't Shad- 
rack Meshak and de aged negro go fru de fiery fur- 
nace widout singin' a hair ? Did'n't Daniel go in 
de lion's den widout gettin' chawed ? Look at od- 



48 MAID OF COLUMBIA, OK 

der men. Look at George Francis Train ; look at 
<3e spinx. Taint ebery man can be a spinx ; look at 
de Hoosac Tunnel : look at Ben Butler : look at de 
Cardiff Giant ! I must hurry np and get I'ru {walks 
fast) Left, left, left, left, down, left, right, up, 
right and left, ober de left, ' left, left, grand right 
and left. Dar I guess dat's cordin' to Upper ten's 
tictax. I's snfficient in dat part ob militaryism. 
Lem me see, I guess I drill myself, ain't any use in 
goili out dar to dat tree any more, ain't nuffin dar. 
Tention Squad! Open eyes tight! Dress up dar in 
your best close ! Hold your heads 'rectly ! Shoul- 
der arms ! Order arms ! Ground arms ! Discover 
arms ! Shoulder arms ! Right face ! March ! Halt ! 
Company file right by de left flank, right and left 
oblique, forward march ! Halt ! Dar, I understan' 
dat perfectly. I tink I could command a regiment 
as well as Col. Seymour. I'd lead de men right in 
de enemy's moufs, 

{Gun fired and Ben droj)S.) 
Gorry-mity ! de foe am come ! Form for action ! 
By de right wheel and deploy by columns on de 
rear of de enemy's left flank ! Double quick to de 
front and *' hang your banners on de outer wall " ! 
To arms ! Dey come ! de Greek ! de Greek ! De 
•combat depens, on ye brave ! Strike for your altars 
and your sires ! Charge Chester ! charge it to 
Stanley ! I tink dere be six Kichmons in de field! 
Bind up my wounds ! Gib me anodder sword ! a 
boss ! a hoss ! my — 

{Enter Dick Hakpee.) 
Harper. Hold your hosses ! What in thunder 
Ails you ? Got a fit ? You make more noise than a 
forty horse power camp-meeting. How was it you 
run away from the fight the other day? 



SHERMAir's MAECH TO THE SEA. 49 

Ben. Me run away ? no sail ! I was 'tacked by 
s'perior numbers. De rebels intercepted me, un- 
conciously surroundin' me by a flank movement on 
de rio-ht while I's ^ibbin' orders to de left. My fer- 
tile brain compreliended de situation at a glance, 
and was 'blio;ed to act circumspections in de ex- 
tremity. I (len formed myself into a holler square 
and prepared to repel the onslought of de 'vanc'ng 
columns. De shock was awful, and after holding 
my position in spite of overwhelming odds, I was 
at last forced to retreat under cober ob my gun. I 
'mediately rallied and froed myself wid such force 
on de enemy's left wing, dat his right wing become 
confused, and I pierced his center. He den order- 
ed up de reserves, which by a strategic move on 
my part, was placed hoarse from de coinbat. Den 
by a brilliant coup, coup, couj) in de hat I forced 
dem to retreat at de point ob de bayonet, leabin' me 
master ob de field ! Dere was no loss on our side ! 

Harper. Ha ! ha ! ha ! Well Ben you will pro- 
bably be promoted for meritorious conduct on the 
field. 

Ben. Yes, sah. I'll remember you in my 'ficial 
occount ob de action. 

Harper. It M^as a daring act, and will reflect 
■great credit on the performer. You was in a tight 
place I allow. 

Ben. Dat's so. I's l>een in tight places 'fore, 
once 'specially. 

Harper. When was that \ 

Ben. 'Twas when I was wagon driber. I had a 
load ob powder an' was dribing along when a shell 
from de rebels come and struck de wagon, an 
'sploded all de powder an' blowed de bosses an' 
wagon into a thousand million pieces. 



60 THE MAID OF COLTTMBIA, OE 

Harper. How happened it you escaped ? 

Ben. O ! when I see de shell strike and de pow- 
der begin to burn I — I got off ! 

Harper. I think you have got off this time 
equally as well. Anyway you can get off the big- 
gest yarn of any nigger I ever saw. You'd better 
throw up 3"our commission and exhibit yourself as 
a second Hannibal ! 

Ben. No sah, when de war am over I shall go 
home and resume my practice as a criminal lawyer. 

{Beveille heard.) 

Harper. Come get ready to git. The boys are 
on the march ! {Exit.) 

\Tlie scene opens and dlsdoses a Gompany of sol- 
diers on parade — the army on its great march to the 
sea — hattle torn flags — martial music — hooming of 
cannon, railroads torn up — bridges destroyed — 
burning huildings in the distance — negroes, loomen 
and children following, &,c., &c.'\ 

{The scene closes — enter Yaeger creeping out of 
his hiding place.) 

Yaeger. Day after day have I followed in the 
wake of Sherman's army, but have been unable to 
put my hands upon the girl. I believe she loves 
that yankee Col. Seymour, and that he desires to 
make her his wife. But she shall never be his, for 
I swear that I will slay them both ere such an event 
happens ! I have risked all to possess the girl ; 
reputation, wealth, honor — all that I might call her 
mine. How deeply I once loved her! I worship- 
ed the ground whereon she trod. I bowed to her 
beauty and did homage at her shrine. I tried every 
means at my command to honorably win her, but 
all to no avail. I received encouragement once, 



Sherman's march to the sea. 51 

just previous to the opening of the war ; yet as soon 
as I took up arms for the southern cause, she grew 
cold toward me, and from that time the breach be- 
tween us has widened. She now receives my ad- 
vances with contempt and scorn. When I ap- 
proach her she recoils with hatred and loathing. I 
swore revenge, and shall kee]) my oath ! Once she 
was in my power, but was taken from me by that 
j^orthern mudsill, and Ibr that interference he shall 
die like a dog ! I care not for the consequences — I 
am desperate ! If I only get the girl once more I 
will take her beyond the reach of help, and if she 
will not bend to my will, she shall never more be- 
hold the light of day ! She shall suffer that which 
she little dreams ! In her fancied security with her 
Union lover, little thinks she of the sleath-hound 
that is slowly yet surely following her to fix his 
fangs deep into her heart ! Revenge will be mine, 
a bitter, lasting revenge ! I go on my mission to 
ruin, to drag down to the lowest depths of humilia- 
tion she who has scorned and defied me ! {J^xit in 
rage andfiiry.) 

{Enter Dick Ti.KKP^Ti,from concealment.) 

Harjper. Hold your bosses ! I too am on a 
mission, to protect, to save from your infernal grasp 
the beautiful and loyal Maid of CoLrMBiA ! Little 
do you think, Bob Yaeger that there is a sleath- 
honnd on your track, an avenging spirit, who m411 
follow you to your doom ! You are fast nearing 
the end of your tether, and soon will bring up with 
a suddenness that will surprise you. \ ou have 
broken your oath made when you were near hav- 
ing your neck wrung, and by the Eternal, you shall 
not escape 1 {Exit^ 



62". MAID OF COLUMBIA, OR 

Scene 4. — Samanndh. — Hotel jparlor. 

{Enter Col. Seymour and Effie.) 

Col. Yes, Gen. Sherman has succeeded in cut- 
ting the enemy in twain, and the Great Rebellion 
will soon be among the things that were. I would 
not be surprised, any moment, to hear the good 
news of peace. 

Effi,e. What rejoicing there would be throughout 
the land ! How many hearts would be made glad ! 

Col. True, many hearts would thrill with joy ; 
but there are many — many hearts wounded and 
crushed by the fortunes of war, that can never 
more rejoice. Many hearts are bowed down ; 
hearts that once beat high with fond aspiration 
and joyous hope, are now naught but withered 
semblances of the past. The flame w^hich once 
lighted up the tendrils, sending a warm glow to 
the fair cheek, the bright smile, and expression to 
the eye, has been extinguished in the waters of 
affliction. Many are bowed low at the family 
altar, mingling their tears w^itli the ashes of de- 
parted joys ; and, like Hagar, refusing to be com- 
forted, until their thoughts are turned to Him, who 
says : — " I am the Resurrection and the Life." 

Effi^e. 'Tis sad to think, when our brave soldiers 
return to their homes, of the feelings of those 
whose fathers, husbands and brothers sleep in 
southern graves. 

Col. It is a sad thought indeed. Our brave 
men sleep on every hill, in every valley. Truly, 
will the so-called " sacred soil " become hallowed 
with the dust of the loyal defenders of a nation's 
honor. May the turf above them ever remain as 
fresh and green, as their memory will be cherished 



Sherman's march to the sea. 53 

in our hearts. May the flowers above them bloom 
brighter ; sending iforth a fragrance as enduring as 
the record they have left behind. May the dew of 
Heaven water the earth which covers them — 'twill 
be the tears of a nation. Let the sunshine descend 
gently o'er their beds — the smile of the Gods. 
May the autumn winds weave heroic chaplets from 
the falling leaves, and cast them thickly over the 
graves of the worthy dead ; may the whispering 
zephyrs chant the story of their deeds, in ages yet 
to come ; and the everlasting hills remain enduring 
monuments of their patriotism. May they calmly 
sleep till awakened by the reveille of the trump 
which shall call them to that last review of the 
Great Commander, before whom the everlasting 
mountains shall scatter, and the perpetual hills 
shall bow. 

{Rejport of cannon and hugle calls heard.) 

Effie. Hark ! what is that ? Are we attacked ? 

Col. No, it is a salute. Gen. Kilpatrick's cavalry 
is passing. 

{Enter Ben.) 

Ben. Hoorah ! we hab arobe ; me and Gen. 
Sherman and de rest ob de army. {Gives Effie 
letter.) "We hab cut de rebellion's tail off, and I'm 
going home to die no more. — She's my girl — Dinah 
Moore ! {Exit singing : — " /'m going home to die 
no more.'''' 

Effie. {Reads letter.) Why ! It's from my dear 
friend Emily. She writes that she is in Savannah, 
and that I may expect a visit from her any moment ; 
and that Capt. Golding, now her husband, will 
come with. her. 

Col. Indeed ! And now that you have found 
each other, you can remain with her, and, I think, 



54 THE MAID OF COLUMBIA, OB 

be free from dansjer under the guardianship of 
Capt. Golding ; and the vicissitudes of war will 
no longer trouble you. 

Effie. I am glad that the stars and stripes wave 
over Savannah, I shall feel safer beneath them. I 
think you told me that your term of service expires 
this month. Do you intend to return North then ? 

Col. My enlisted term expires then, but I shall 
continue with the army until this rebellion is dead, 
if I am alive. Its fall is but a question of time. 
The rebels are hard pushed, and soon will fall a 

frey to the Union forces. When the war is ended 
shall depart Xorthward, and hope to have the 
same traveling companion that I had in coming- 
hither. Now that your father is dead, you have 
nothing to bind you to the South. When we are 
safe in our Northern home, settled down to a life 
of peace and happiness, I shall often think of my 
days as a soldier, and the prize I found while brav- 
ing the fortunes of war. 

(^/jfe/* Emily and Ca.pt. Golding. GMs embj'Cice, 
Col. cmcl Capt. shal^e hands.) 

Capt. I hope we do not meet as enemies, for I 
am no longer arrayed against the old flag. My 
parole and a painful wound prevent me from per- 
forming a soldier's duty. 

Col. Ah ! you were taken prisoner then. Pro- 
bably there will be no need of either of us to tight 
much longer. 

Capt. I hope so ; for I am tired of the war, 
though I deplore the probable result. I should 
hail the triumph of our arms with the pride of a 
Southern heart, but it is the fortune of war that 
we are not the victors, and we must abide the issue. 

Col. Although we may be the victors, as I once 



Sherman's march to the sea. 65 

informed your wife, we can be generous to the 
conquered. 

Capt. Yet the feeling between the North and 
the South would remain bitter and lasting. The 
wound would never heal. 

Col. Let us not anticipate evil, but hope for a 
speedy peace and reconciliation between those now 
engaged in bloody strife. Magnanimity is a cha- 
racteristic inherent in the soul of the North, which 
will manifest itself at an early period ; and your 
people will be convinced of the injustice done us 
through the misrepresentation of unprincipled 
men, whose ambition overpowered their judg- 
ment. {They go up.) 

{Enter Ben.) 

Ben. Hoorah ! de war am most over and I 
shall soon be in de bosom of my family. — Hold on, 
I hain't got no family yet. I's gwine to marry 
Dinah Moore, sooner or soon as possible. I nebber 
felt so good in my whole natural life. I's gone 
trew Georgia widoutgettin' wounded or captivated, 
all owing to my s'perior knowledge of military tic- 
tacks. It was jes so wid my illustrated oppressors, de 
Puritans, dey alius come out from a fight unscathed 
and unpolluted. I tink my record during dis cham- 
pagne will 'fleet great credit on dis indiwidual. 
Now de war am most ober, and victory roosts on 
de banners of liijerty, w^e can all return to .our 
respectable homes where de lubbed ones ar' waitin' 
for us wid arms outstretched to welcome us back 
from de field ob glory. And habbin turned our 
swords into ploughshares and the spears into tun- 
ing-forks, we will be prepared to resume de pur- 
suits of peace : habbin' de respec's ob de people, 
and do consolation ob knowing dat we hab done 
Bumfin for our country — de land ob our birf, de 



66 THE MAID OF COLUMBIA. 

land ob liberty. I shall ebber remember dese 
times, and when I get to be an old grey headed 
man, I'll call my num'rous children 'round me and 
tell dem how dere fader shed his last blood on de 
field ob battle, dat they might enjoy de privilege ob 
habin eberyting dey M\ant. And when my earthly 
career is ended in dis world, and I leab dis terres- 
trial ball forebber, nebber to return here any more 
in dis life, p'raps someboddy will 'rect a monument 
to de memory ob dis pusson, Avho am worthy ob 
emulation. So, in after days when de unborn 
generations shall come, dey shall discober de spot 
which contains the mortal remains ob my majestic 
form, and read from de epitaph : Here lies Ben 
Butler, who fought for his country and received dt 
benefit ob it. Darefore, lastly, to sum up, anc 
bring to a conclusion de finale of dese closin' finish 
in' remarks, I repeat in de words ob de poet— 
Gorry mity ! Who's dat ? 

{Enter Yaeger hatless^ vnld and infuriated 
hrandishing dagger. The characters are struct 
dumh loith astordshnient. Seizes Effie. Music ) 

Yaeger. Revenge ! Revenge ! Die, and ma; 
thy soul sink down to perdition ! 

{RiHe crack. Yaeger drops., and thrusts hi 
knife deep in the ground, still holding it.) 
{Enter Dick Harper with revolver.) 

Harpter. Hold your bosses ! You've got you 
last sickness. 

{Impressive music — Yaeger dies. — The chara*. 
ters form a hrilliant picture. — The scene rise 
showing a-thrilling tahleau. The Goddess of Libert' 
waving the Federal flag., the rebel flag beneath hi 
feet. — The Goddess in the act of thrusting a spec 
into a hideous monster's mouth.— Red andblue fire. 
SLOW curtain. 



OCT 6 1931 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



016 256 008 6 



